Tailed Beast Transformation

Beneath the dark canopy of the forest, a great battle was on the verge of breaking out. Violent Chakra swept through the entire forest like a hurricane, and its creatures had long since fled.

Elsewhere, Kuruda was leading seven Jonin out of the forest, heading for their next agreed-upon rendezvous point.

A Kumo Ninja Jonin behind him said unwillingly, "Kuruda, we should go back. It's too dangerous to leave Big Brother Blue B there alone."

"That's right, Kuruda. If we all attack together, we can take him down, even if he is Orochimaru," another Kumo Ninja Jonin said, stepping forward.

Kuruda shook his head and objected without hesitation. "No. Don't you remember Big Brother Blue B's orders? Since he told us to leave, he must have his reasons."

Was Kuruda willing to leave? No, he was more unwilling than anyone. Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, was alone. This was an excellent chance to take him out.

But he had no choice but to obey Big Brother Blue B's orders. Though he didn't know why Blue B had told them to leave, Blue B must have noticed something. Otherwise, he wouldn't have given such an order.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, the battle between Blue B and Orochimaru had reached a fever pitch. After a series of attacks from Orochimaru, Blue B was on the back foot.

Blue B used Lightning Release to burn the white snakes binding his feet to charcoal. But Orochimaru burst out of the ground, Kunai in hand, and lunged straight for Blue B's head. Clearly, he intended to kill him in one blow.

As the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Blue B was no pushover. Lightning flashed across his body, and bolts burst from him, striking at Orochimaru.

At the same time, he drew the long sword from his back with a swish. A cold white glint flashed through the silent night, as if it would split the dark world in two.

Clang...

A violent metallic crash rang out, echoing in their ears like the booming of a great bell. Visible sound waves spread in every direction. Wherever they passed, branches and leaves flew, and limbs as thick as arms snapped outright. Such was the terrifying force of their clash.

Amid the sound waves, both figures flew backward. Orochimaru stopped after four steps, while Blue B staggered back more than ten before barely managing to halt. It was obvious who had gained the upper hand in that exchange.

Orochimaru showed no sign of excitement at having the advantage. Instead, he shook his head in disappointment. "What a shame, that moment just now."

Orochimaru's series of moves had left Blue B unable to fight back, all to set up his final killing blow. Even if it hadn't killed Blue B, it should have gravely wounded him.

"That was close. Just a little more!"

Feeling the faint sting in his cheek, Blue B was furious. If he hadn't reacted quickly at the last moment, Orochimaru might have killed him. Though he had escaped the killing blow, Orochimaru had cut a wound more than ten centimeters long across his cheek. Torn flesh gaped open, and bright red blood flowed from it.

Yemo, hidden in the shadows, watched the spectacular battle with his jaw hanging open. This battle between true powerhouses, and Orochimaru's performance in particular, left him stunned.

First, Orochimaru had used the Substitution Technique to evade Blue B's attack and taken the opportunity to slip underground. Then he had used spikes thrusting out of the ground to force Blue B to retreat into a trap he had already set. He had also secretly used Genjutsu to confuse Blue B, then controlled white snakes to bind his legs. Finally, he had seized the chance to burst from the ground and launch a killing blow at him.

If Blue B hadn't been powerful and quick to react, an ordinary Jonin in his place would have been killed by Orochimaru's series of attacks long ago.

Yemo knew that, despite their fierce exchange, neither had unleashed his full strength. It had only been a test. Blue B was capable of more than this, and so was Orochimaru. Next, the two should clash with all their strength.

"As expected of Orochimaru. You're far stronger than I anticipated. But if this is all you've got, you'll have a hard time leaving here today." Killing intent showed on Blue B's face and burst from his body.

"Try me and find out. Multiple Shadow Snake Hands!"

As his words fell, Orochimaru thrust out his right hand and attacked without warning. Several huge white snakes emerged from it, every one of them opening its bloody maw and bringing a foul wind in its wake. They were so fast that they reached Blue B in an instant.

Swish... swish...

Blue B used no Ninjutsu. Sword in his right hand, he slashed with powerful lightning, cutting every snake that attacked him in two. They fell to the ground, giving off a faint aroma of cooked meat.

Flicker...

Returning the attack, Blue B vanished in a flash and reappeared right in front of Orochimaru. His speed surprised even Orochimaru. This was the special Lightning Body Flicker Technique, far faster than an ordinary Body Flicker Technique.

Blue B was currently in Lightning Release Chakra Mode, his entire body covered in powerful lightning that stimulated the activity of his cells, improving every aspect of his abilities. It increased not only his attack and defense, but also his speed. Moreover, in this state, he could coat metal weapons in lightning to unleash even greater power.

He swung his sword, its sharp edge wreathed in lightning. It seemed nothing could stop it, as though it would cleave the entire forest in two.

Facing the incoming blade, Orochimaru's expression changed slightly. With nowhere to dodge, he moved his hands and summoned countless giant white snakes. They coiled around one another like an indestructible white shield.

Orochimaru really is disgusting. Even the way he fights is disgusting.

To Yemo, watching from the shadows, this technique was revolting. He had never liked snakes to begin with, and now dozens of them were coiled together, writhing. It couldn't have been more disgusting.

Blue B's sword strike was already terrifying, and with the sharpness of the lightning added to it, it was even harder to resist. As the keen blade swept forward, nothing could stand in its way. Every giant white snake was shredded by his attack.

Suddenly, a white shadow shot forward. Blue B saw only a flash of white light, too fast for even him to react.

The next second, Blue B felt as though a speeding train had slammed into his chest. An indescribable force surged into him like a tide.

Unable to resist, Blue B was sent flying. Only then did he glance over and finally see that the white shadow had been a giant white-scaled snake. The snake that had knocked him back was rapidly entering Orochimaru's body.

Damn it, what was that thing? Blue B wondered. It looked neither like a summoned beast nor like any Ninjutsu.

Pfft...

Unable to suppress the blood surging inside him, Blue B tasted sweetness on his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood. That attack had injured him badly.

Drawing the giant white-scaled snake back, Orochimaru said coolly, "What's wrong? Still not going to use it? I wanted to see the fabled power of the Eight-Tails."

At that, Orochimaru couldn't help sticking out his tongue and licking his lips, making no attempt to conceal the curiosity in his eyes. For a research fanatic like Orochimaru, Tailed Beasts held an extraordinary attraction.

Blue B wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and slowly rose from the ground. "Orochimaru," he said coldly, "since you're looking for death, I'll grant your wish."

As his words fell, the lightning around Blue B vanished. In its place, orange-yellow Chakra emerged from every pore of his body. The solidified Chakra merged together, covering him like a cloak.

Blue B's appearance also changed dramatically. His eyes glowed red, and his teeth grew long and sharp, like a beast's.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...

With several rushing sounds, six tails formed entirely from Chakra shot out. The orange-yellow tails stood upright, and as they swayed gently, a terrifying pressure burst forth.

Tailed Beast Transformation!